Stags sign highly-rated Reds’ ‘keeper

We are delighted to confirm the loan signing of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Jordan Smith until the end of the season.

Smith, 24, made 32 appearances for the Reds last season, most of which came in the Championship.

The ‘keeper is a product of Forest’s academy, and made his professional debut in February 2017 in a Championship clash against Norwich City, coming off the bench after 23 minutes to replace the injured Stephen Henderson.

Two weeks later, Smith kept his first clean sheet in Forest colours, in a 0-0 draw away to Wigan Athletic. The following week, he recorded a second consecutive clean sheet, as the Reds earned a 3-0 win over Brighton.

The shot-stopper has also spent time on loan at the likes of Barnsley, Ilkeston and Nuneaton Town in his career.

Smith last appeared during his loan spell at Barnsley in November 2018, keeping a clean sheet away to Accrington Stanley in a 2-0 win.

“I am really excited about this loan move,” said Jordan. “I’m a local boy and it’s a club that I’ve always kept my eye on.

“Jordan suits our playing style. His experience in the Championship is crucial, playing against some massive clubs.”

David Flitcroft, manager

“It’s a club on the up. Mansfield love to play football and it’s something that’s become of massive importance in recent years for a goalkeeper to become that 11th player by using their feet.

“I’ve come here to improve and I believe this is a place where I can do that.

“I’m aware that there is a fight on my hands to get the [starting] shirt as I know Conrad has done really well. I’d like to think I’ve got a great chance in training and throughout the rest of the season to prove why I should be playing and if and when I do, to prove why I should keep that shirt.”

Manager David Flitcroft said: “With the relationship the chairman and Carolyn [chief executive Carolyn Radford] have with Nottingham Forest, we’ve tapped in to that relationship again and that was important to this signing.

“Greg’s [head of football operations Greg Abbott] contacts too have played a massive part. Tyler [striker Tyler Walker, on loan from Nottingham Forest] has played a part in selling the qualities of our club and the young environment here, where there’s a lot of enthusiasm to get better.

“This season, Jordan was called upon to play for Barnsley for one game and got a clean sheet in a new environment.

“Jordan suits our playing style. His experience in the Championship is crucial, playing against some massive clubs.”